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Is There any Truly "High End" Integrated Amp?


I'm a reasonably well experienced audio nut and have tried a number of "good" integrated amps. I wonder, though, if there are integrated amps that are good enough for the "best", most revealing speakers. (Think Avalon Eidolon, Verity Parsifal, various JM Lab Utopias, and a variety of other fine speakers that do not have mammoth power requirements.)

People talk about the Levinson, the Musical Fidelity KW-500 and the lesser MF amps, the BAT integrated, The Rowland Concerto, etc. etc. etc.

I would like to hear from people who have actually tried the top tier of integrated amps and would be very interested in learning of their findings.

Don't need to be the most expensive. Could be the YBA Passion, Classe, MacIntosh 6900, Krell 400i, or any of a number of integrated amps that are supposed to sound good.

Hope to hear some good feedback.

Thanks very much.
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rugyboogie
199 posts
 
Jprice
The best integrated amp IMHO is the ASR Emitter Excusive II Blue version or the more reasonable model ASR Emitter Exclusive I. This is the best I have heard regardless price period. Harry from the Absolute sound loves it as well.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
ASR Emitter 11-for a retail of $27,000 Harry better be in live.LOL
rugyboogie
199 posts
 
Talk2me
In my country $12000 for Emitter II and $8000 for Emitter I, both exclusive versions. Europe same price if not cheaper. American distributor is making a (HUGE) profit. During the review from TAS the distribution right became exclusive and dealers could no longer buy direct from Germany. What a shame.
BTW $CDN less 16 % = USD. With the cost of flying one could fly to Germany have a great time and bring back the amps and still be cheaper than buying in the USA. Think of the Autobahn, no speed limits the Frauleins and the great time one could have in the process.
springbok10
711 posts
 
The Jadis DA 88 Signature. If this isn't high-end,then neither are my $$$ separates.take it from me, it is very high-end...........
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
The Rogue Audio Cronus is a true high end tube integrated for about $1800.

I have one and like it as much as my Krell KCT/400cx combo. Different but audibly pleasurable.
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